Poha aka beaten rice is one of the most popular breakfast options. But do you know it has major health benefits, along with taste?

Oatmeal and eggs are a staple breakfast option for those who are looking to lose weight. Isn’t it? Well, those are some great options, but how about turning to desi foods that strike the perfect balance between health and taste. One such lip-smacking breakfast is poha, also known as beaten rice.

Undoubtedly, poha is one of the most wholesome breakfasts you can ever find. It is rich in taste, contains antioxidants and vitamins, is gluten-free, and is a good source of carbohydrates. That’s why those of you who think a weight loss diet is all about feeling drained, make sure to test out the power of the ‘Poha’.

Poha is made by partly cooking paddy and then drying it out in the sun for hours until it turns a bit harder. They are then pounded and flattened to give the form of ‘flat rice’ or Poha. It does not go through a lot of processing and is generally not polished.

White rice is polished to such an extent that it is stripped of its nutrients and fibre contents. In comparison, Poha is less processed and light in terms of cooking and digestion.

Here are 3 reasons why you should eat Poha instead of white rice-

• Rich in Healthy Carbohydrates

Poha is the best breakfast food because it packs approximately 70% of healthy carbohydrates and 30% fat. Thus, if you want fuel to go about your day, Poha does a better job. On the other hand, consuming rice tends to make people sleepy and might impact your performance throughout the day.

• Source of Iron

The sundried Poha goes through iron rollers when it is flattened. Hence, it is considered high in iron content as it holds some of the iron from the flattening process. Population groups who are at a higher risk of gestational anaemia such as pregnant women are usually advised to eat Poha. A dash of lemon juice on the Poha bowl provides it with the Vitamin C required for the proper absorption of iron.

• Easy on Digestion

While rice cannot be consumed at all times of the day, Poha can be eaten as a breakfast and an evening snack as well. Since it is easy on the digestive tract and does not cause bloating, it is fit to consume whenever you crave a quick snack.